Scenes from Southern Hospitality at CBC 2025

Ohio River South proudly hosted its 4th Annual Southern Hospitality Brunch during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, bringing together more than 400 leaders at La Vie at The Wharf in Washington, D.C. This signature brunch has become a marquee CBCF tradition, convening elected officials, business leaders, and community advocates to celebrate Southern leadership and strengthen relationships across government, industry, and community. The event was made possible through the generous co-sponsorship of Gilead Sciences, Entergy, and Firehouse Phones.

The program featured remarks from Howard Franklin, President and CEO of Ohio River South, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and Rashad Burgess, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Gilead Sciences. Together, they underscored the importance of collaboration between public officials and private sector partners to advance opportunity and innovation across the South.

In addition to the speakers, the brunch drew a distinguished audience including Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-4), Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-1), Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-2), Mayor Van Johnson of Savannah, GA (President of the African American Mayors Association), DNC Chair Ken Martin, John Hudson, Chief External Affairs Officer at Entergy, and Deb Telman, General Counsel of Gilead Sciences. With record-breaking attendance, the 2025 brunch further solidified Ohio River South’s role as a trusted convener of leaders across the South and Washington, D.C.